Hall County Fire Rescue is set to receive a new fire boat in 2024 to increase its services on Lake Lanier.
“Lake Lanier is part of what makes Hall County and its neighboring communities such a unique area to live and visit,” Hall County Board of Commissioners Chairman Richard Higgins said. “With the number of residents and tourists who frequent the lake each year, it goes without saying that we needed to expand our public safety efforts in order to provide citizens with a quality of life as outlined in our strategic plan.”
The Hall County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted on the $697,000 Capital Projects funded purchase of the vessel during Thursday’s voting session meeting.
“I am excited to be able to extend our Fire Rescue services to the people who make up this thriving community,” Hall County District 2 Commissioner Billy Powell said. “Each year, more and more folks visit and reside on Lake Lanier. This vessel has been a much needed addition to our public safety services, and it is a much needed addition to our citizens who deserve top-tier protection in times of crisis.”
The Fire Rescue boat, crafted by Lake Assault Boats, LLC of Superior, Wisconsin, will be a 38-foot landing craft vessel that will provide easy and effective ways of moving patients and equipment on and off the boat.
The boat will contain a fully enclosed, acclimatized cabin; a deck with room for rescue initiatives; will pump water from Lake Lanier during fire suppression activities; and is built for quality work performance and longevity, according to Hall County Fire Rescue Chief Chris Armstrong.
"This state-of-the-art aluminum framed vessel promises an elevated standard of safety and service for Lake Lanier's residents and visitors,” Armstrong said. “With its enclosed cabin, versatile deck, fire-fighting capabilities and durability, it exemplifies a new era of efficient and lasting emergency response for HCFR."
Delivery of the boat is a 16-month process, with an expected delivery of December 2024.